Clarisonic for Men Review

They're used by spa professionals. Guys, our review shares why and how you should use a Clarisonic at home.

I first learned about Clarisonic when I was at Canyon Ranch Las Vegas getting a gentleman’s facial. The esthetician used a Clarisonic Pro on my face, and it helped to really achieve a deep clean. She even suggested that I get one to take care of my skin at home between visits (I can only imagine what spa technicians see using those magnifiers and lights).

Clarisonic Mia 2 for Men – Front. This Clarisonic device helps cleanse the skin up to six times better than regular washing. It also helps improve shaving and the appearance of your skin. Courtesy image

As it turns out, Clarisonic is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. So, as part of our Wellness on the Road/Wellness at HomeSM series, I’m sharing my review of the Clarisonic Mia 2 in gray for men. The result? You’ll find that your skin will be cleaner and smoother than ever. And shaving will be a more comfortable experience.

What is Clarisonic?

You’re probably familiar with the Sonicare — you turn that on and run the brush along your teeth and gums as the device works its magic.

Clarisonic has similar technology, and you handle the device in a similar manner. The brush oscillates back and forth at more than 300 movements per second as you move it around your face.

The Clarisonic Mia 2 for men is lightweight and compact. The kit comes with a universal charger, a normal brush head, a trial size cleanser and a plastic travel case. By the way, it’s worth buying the Clarisonic 6 oz. refreshing gel cleanser for your face — it’s a much better product than most over the counter cleansers you’ll get at the drugstore.

How Clarisonic Works

All it takes is 60 seconds once or twice a day and you’re done. You’re most likely to use it in the morning while you’re taking a shower (the device is waterproof). Apply your favorite face wash to your skin, get the brush wet, place the device on your skin, turn it on, and just move it through various areas of your face. The device will beep to let you know when to move to another zone:

20 seconds on the forehead

20 seconds on the nose and chin

10 seconds on one cheek

10 seconds on the other cheek

The Clarisonic Mia 2 for men has two speeds, so you can choose the speed that works best for your skin. I sometimes use the device for two cycles — including my neck. When you’re finished, you can moisturize or use your other preferred skin products.

Benefits to Using Clarisonic

My experience with the Clarisonic is consistent with Clarisonic’s own claims. According to its studies, you will:

Get a closer shave after use

Reduce the size of your pores

Make your skin appear healthier

Improve the appearance of skin color

Help soften the appearance of mature skin (anti-aging!)

The Verdict?

Clarisonic Mia 2 for Men. If you haven’t used Clarisonic before, the packaging includes easy to follow instructions.

The Clarisonic Mia 2 for men is an excellent facial cleansing system. Clarisonic says that it is up to six times better than hand washing alone, and I have to agree. Clarisonic delivers on its message that it will leave your skin smoother and healthier. And it should definitely help you to maximize your time and investment for facials at the spa.

Clarisonic has five different models that it sells (as well as a model used by professionals) and many different colors. The Mia 2 is a mid-level model that works well for most skin types (in gray primarily for men). If you’d like an even more powerful device for a cleaner result, you may want to bump up to the Mia 3 — it has a third speed that enhances the cleaning by 30% (available in black).

Depending on your skin, you may want to consider one of the other Clarisonic brush heads: deep pore cleansing brush, acne cleansing brush, delicate brush or the sensitive brush. Clarisonic recommends changing your brush every three months. To maintain the quality of the brush, I quickly rinse it after use with a little antibacterial soap and warm water.

The device will hold its charge for between two and three weeks, depending on whether you use it once or twice a day. When it needs to be recharged, a light will flash (allow a day for it to fully charge).

Clarisonic is a great device for your skin. The only challenge I see is that a storage cradle seems to be a missing element with the Mia 2. It basically sits flat wherever you place it. The Mia 3 model comes with a universal charging cradle (white only) that appears to hold the device in a standing position — just keep it unplugged until it’s time to charge.

If you’re at all skeptical, the Clarisonic Mia 2 comes with a 90-day money back guarantee and a two-year warranty (Clarisonic says the device should last up to five years).

Rob is editor of Business Travel Destinations. He reviews international destinations for meetings and events -- where business travelers go, the hotels where they stay and their lifestyle preferences on the road. Rob was previously the event planning guide for About.com (owned by The New York Times Company) from 2007 - 2011. His articles also appear in business travel publications and travel sites internationally.